The work plan is structured in four work packages (WP), three of which address the scientific exploitation of the data, while the activities related to management and reporting are included in a separate WP (according to ESA rules).

The three science WPs are briefly described below. The expected duration of each WP is indicated in terms of quarters of an year (Q1-Q12).

WP1, Streamlining of data analysis, Q1-Q5. The available software tools will be streamlined for an efficient processing of the Swarm data. The software will be tested first on FAST data and on Swarm synthetic data. The software will be optimized by using measured Swarm data, as soon as these data become available.

WP2, Swarm event studies, Q6-Q12. Detailed examination of a few selected events, preferably with comprehensive ground support. The analysis will concentrate on the examination of gradients along auroral arcs, as inferred from Swarm A and C, and implications for the M-I-T system. 2-D aurora will be explored as well, based on data from all three Swarm satellites. Depending on availability, examination of conjunction events with Cluster and / or THEMIS is another target of this work package.

WP3, Database of Swarm events, Q8-Q12. The Swarm events will be assembled into a database, organized in terms of spacecraft configuration (two or three satellites), local time sector (evening, midnight, morning, noon), magnetic activity and substorm phase (quiet, growth, expansion, recovery), availability of conjugate data (from ground or from other spacecraft). The database will serve later on for systematic investigations of auroral electrodynamics and M-I-T coupling.